Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2009 14:16:26 GMT -5
Hi all,
Dennis and I are planning a week long rockhounding trip to Central/Eastern Oregon.
We are leaving on October 5th and will return on October 11th. We are newbie rockhounders. Ive only made one trip to Richardson Rock Ranch and Dennis has only hunted for Antigorite on the East Coast.
Could you all help us with some location ideas? The only thing to keep in mind is that Dennis has a wayyyy bad back so locations have to be easy to get to.
So far we have considered the following:
Lookout Point: Petrified Wood
Glass Butte: Obsidian
Richardson Ranch: Thundereggs
Any tips/ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Shannon & Dennis
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 22, 2009 8:34:56 GMT -5
A 2nd spare tire at Glass Butes is not an unreasonable precaution if going alone.
Some of the digging at Hampton Butte is fairly easy to drive up to and then just walk across a field trying not to step in the dig pits of others.
If you have the 4WD I woudl recommend driving up to Lucky Strike mine (see map in Gem Trails) if it has not closed for the winter. Might still be opwn till later in Oct. Very interesting owners, and you can paw through their Blue Mountain while there. ALso, they can tell you where to find some green moss agate further down the mountain.
IMHO it is always worth a visit to Judy Elkind's shop in Prineville. You may also find Quaints open too.
If you want to go far East, and can find a guide or a good map, it is usually possible to get permission to dig on the WildHorse tailings if it is not for commercial purposes. They often let clubs dig on those terms.
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Post by rhodescabbin on Sept 22, 2009 16:45:59 GMT -5
Dan is right about two spare tires!!! One day i got two flats on the way to the Lucky strike, before I got to it had to turn around and drive 5 MPH to the highway and wait for someone I knew to stop and give me a ride...A lesson well learned!!! Usually kop and Cindy stay at the Lucky Strike through deer season as they get alot of customers and fill their deer tags...
One thing to consider is bring Hunters Orange vest and hats as Buck season will be in full swing and the woods are gonna be crawling with hunters...
If you go to Quants or Elkins let me know and if I can get away I would sure love to meet ya'll...
-Dale Rhode
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Post by catmandewe on Sept 22, 2009 17:41:35 GMT -5
If you want to come over to the Eastern side of Oregon, I would be happy to show you around. Can also get you into some claims. You might want to bring a trailer or something to haul rock home with though! Lots of Owyhee material, jasper, plume agate, snake river agate, etc.
If you let me know early enough then I can usually get a day or two off for it.
Elkins rock shop is a must see. According to her, she is only going to be there another couple of years, so you gotta check it out.
Richardson's is alot of fun, but can get spendy if you are not careful.
I have never been to the Lucky Strike, but plan to on one of my next trips, I hear it is alot of fun, also.
I had a blast at Glass Butte last month, so much to see, not enough time to see it all.
Good luck with your planning.................Tony
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onewomanarmy
has rocks in the head
Carpe Silicis!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 645
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Post by onewomanarmy on Sept 23, 2009 9:30:52 GMT -5
Can't help with the planning as I've never been in the area - but for us rockhounds living in non-rockhounding states my only suggestion is to bring a camera!  |
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Sept 23, 2009 9:32:01 GMT -5
Here are some ideas:
1. Richardson's: I would definitely start here. The Blue beds have been very productive this summer. You can also surface collect quite a bit of Sunset agate at the ledges, although it is not the Pink/purple stuff. Their shop is also great.
2. Elkin's/Quant's Prineville/Tube agate beds: Definitely worth visiting and rooting through their rough piles and slab bins. Check with the Quant's for permission to dig in the Tube agate beds. They'll let you dig for free. You can drive right up to the digs.
3. Hampton Butte/Glass Buttes: You can camp at either place. Materials can be surface collected and you can drive right up to the digs.
I have tons of maps, notes, tips and books if you want to swing by sometime I'll hook you up.
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Post by Tonyterner on Oct 1, 2009 12:35:57 GMT -5
Sorry I can't help. Well unless being jealous is helpful to you. lol
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Post by stonesthatrock on Oct 1, 2009 13:37:30 GMT -5
you could make a right turn and come down to mesa and rockhound in my backyard........ oh too far??? lmao
Go with tony, hes the best. We had a blast rockhounding with him and jason. I hope we can go again soon.
mary ann
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Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2009 14:43:54 GMT -5
Due to some circumstances, I think we will be shortening our trip to just a few days. We are going to zoom on over to catman's place, pick up a saw and a faceting machine.......go hounding with him for a couple of days on his claims and then zoom on back with maybe a couple of quick stops on the way. We will take lots of pics for everyone. Catman says I can "play" in his rock piles at his house when we get there. Does he not realize JUST how much rock a little midget such as myself can pack onto my person?  Shan |
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Oct 2, 2009 13:18:29 GMT -5
Shan, you know those BDU military pants have billowed pockets, right?!?  Enjoy the trip no matter where you end up. It sounds like a lot of fun! Nate |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2009 13:24:41 GMT -5
Nate, During hunting season, I end up back at the rig every time with my pockets full of Chanterelle mushrooms and rocks. I mean, every single pocket or space.......including down the front of the jacket.......even inside the top of my thermals if need be. Im like this little pregnant camo hobbit. Shan |
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Oct 2, 2009 23:19:43 GMT -5
Now that paints a picture, Shan! I hope you have a sling on your rifle (or do you hunt with the sawed-off?), so you can use both hands to carry rocks!
Nate
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1rockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 286
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Post by 1rockhound on Oct 3, 2009 17:22:37 GMT -5
You could spend a week digging through Tony's piles and never even start seeing all of it. Also make sure to get a lot of material from our snake river agate claim. It does not look the best in the rough but once worked you will have wished you got more. So load up and have a great time. I wish I could join Tony and you guys but I'm not able to take those days off.
Also you will be picking your jaws up off the ground when you see the amount of Jasper laying on the ground where Tony is going to take you. It's not pieces but boulders and outcrops. Just pray it's not raining because you can't get back there when the road is wet.
Jason
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2009 19:58:34 GMT -5
Thanks Jason! Bummer, we were hoping to meet you on this trip. But there will be plenty of other times where we can all hook up.
We are heading out for Tony's tomorrow evening. Should be a most excellent trip!
Shannon
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